When you think of God Almighty, the Lord God of Scripture, do you think or refer to Him as “the hottest Poppa”? When you know in your heart that He is the Creator of all things and holds your very next breath in His omnipotent hand, do you so casually refer to him in such worldly, disrespectful, slang terms?
Where is the fear of the One whom Jesus said
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)”
This video by Shai Linne has great doctrine. Then again, the devil knows correct doctrine, but he is still going to hell. I’m not saying Shai Linne is on his way to hell, far from it. What I’m saying is doctrine alone will not cut it and that the name of God should be spoken with reverence, not dragged through the muck of cultural acceptance so the world will be more receptive. God is not ‘homie’ and the Lord of all is certainly not to be referred to as ‘the hottest Poppa’.
As a people, where is the fear of God before our eyes? Should we be comfortable with this type of language from a professing brother in Christ? We should not.
Bottom line: Salvifically speaking, being theologically correct in itself means as much as a profession of faith – absolutely nothing. It will not save you nor anyone else. If you live and behave like those you want to save, you offer no one good news.
It doesn’t matter what style of music or where you are at when you speak of God, but to have so little reverence for Him as to casually regard Him as the ‘hottest Poppa’ at the very least requires more thought before proclaiming it.
This is when relevance and rhyming are more important than reverence. (sometimes preachers do this with alliteration)
A few questions/thoughts:
What are the biblical parameters for anthropomorphic language?
You said, “This video by Shai Linne is, for the greater part, doctrinally correct.”
You imply here that there is some part that isn’t doctrinally correct. What part? Are you basing this upon content or delivery?
You said, “If you live and behave like those you want to save, you offer no one good news.”
Good news is objective, not subjective based upon your life example. My life testimony is not the gospel. The gospel is the gospel. (And if your knee-jerk reaction to this is to say, “Well, then what’s the point of living a holy life?” then we really need to back up a bit and start from ground zero.)
Furthermore, if my life testimony alone were the validation of the message then only sinless people need preach the gospel.
Write back.
p.s. This is not an attack. Just a friendly exchange as I think through this post.
” Bottom line: Salvifically speaking, being theologically correct in itself means as much as a profession of faith – absolutely nothing. It will not save you nor anyone else. If you live and behave like those you want to save, you offer no one good news. ”
Enough said!
Show me in the Bible where God’s people melded with the world in order to reach the lost……………. that’s right. It’s not there.
If I affirmed a person for being religous, and worshiping a god. Even though they were heathen and had never done anything to please God would you have my head. Because that is what Paul did in Acts 17. But he may have even went a step further forward and even used a godless poets words to describe God. Sure sounds like meddling with the world to me.
If we follow this principle to its end, we would need to go back to Latin. It would seem fitting. In the same way that people living in Shai’s culture has never used the word Father in normal context to their dad. Neither have we ever used the Latin word for father.
I think ‘truthinator’ used the phrase melding, not meddling…with the world.
I realize you don’t believe that Shai took the Lord’s name in a trifling manner, and yet, when you look at the 3rd commandment, it is so. I wish Shai Linne all the best, however, I strongly feel that the young people listening to him reference the Lord of Glory in such a way is not helping the younger generation. If you’re thirsty and I offer you a glass of water that’s 90% pure and 10% sewage, are you going to drink it? This is about honoring the Lord’s name Ryan and that is something every Christian should be jealous of guarding. That is why I posted what I did. If anyone, influencing a large number of people, casually take the Lord’s name in vain – in the name of ministry no less- I certainly hope that someone, somewhere would come forward and say “This is not right”.
All genres of music are performed by sinners, no question, of that I’m sure we agree on. For the record, I do not endorse any genre over another. The BD vid was posted for the sake of the message itself. It does not take the name of the Lord in vain. Your points have been received in the spirit they were given, thanks.
SDG, JT
Use this short piece of code: [vimeo 0000000] with the zeros representing the number of the vimeo vid….. that’s it.
“This video by Shai Linne is, for the greater part, doctrinally correct. Then again, the devil knows correct doctrine, but he is still going to hell.”
Joel, do you even realize the implications of careless words like these? Please, brother, think before you type. By the way, which part of Linne’s lyrics are doctrinally incorrect?
Methinks this is a prime example of straining out a gnat…
Would you agree that referring to God as ‘the hottest poppa’ is irreverent? If it is, does it not encourage people to speak of Him irreverently? The issue here is taking the Lord’s name in a trifling , irreverent manner. It is using His name in vain. It’s not unforgivable, but Shai Linne was careless in this case, and sets a horrible example for young Christians regarding honoring the name of God and setting it apart for all others. “I got the hottest poppa” does not honor God, and we should not encourage it’s use among Shai Linne’s fans.
Hmm… I guess it’s not incorrect if it’s simply another way that people of a different culture express the idea of “the greatest father.” Perhaps the problem is that some language, that isn’t often used by the majority and not clearly defined, can carry ugly baggage. My experience of these terms may be all vulgar experiences, and consequently when I hear them used in relation to God, naturally assume irreverence. But I’m not sure if it necessarily is irreverent language… I mean, I understand the importance of proper language – especially when we’re referring to God – but I wonder, could these other words actually bring us closer to the original meaning? Most people these days call their father “dad” – and that term means much the same thing. I suppose we don’t really like that, because it can seem too earthy, too messy, too much ugly baggage… I don’t know, I could be wrong – I need to think on it more. I’m just throwing out some initial thoughts… Interesting anyways.
JT, you love stirring the pot! Keep it up.
Ben,
To have a proper languange and then deface a Holy concept like God with common, unflattering, and far-too-casual language is blasphemy. For a group use the only words they have to address God would be another topic.
I see stuff like the rap garbage (and too much of the mainstream music as well) as doing the former not the latter. To purposely marginalize God’s holiness or to make common what is preeminent is the height of blasphemy. This is how I see it.
Wasn’t El (the name God in the hebrew) the common unflattering far-to-casual language that was used to refer to all gods. Yet God uses that to refer to himself.
For what it’s worth, I gave this album to two of my nephews last week. One is the lead man for Campus Crusade at a campus in Washington State and the other one works for Costco. I believe they will be edified from listening to Shai Linne on The Atonement. Also, my Swedish cousin calls her Father, “Pappa”. That translates in English to Daddy. Kind of like, “Abba, Father”.
I’m siding with Shai Linne on this one.
J.,
Thanks for making my point! God is not a man. Calling your dad in Sweden ‘Pappa’ is one thing. Yet referring to God, creator of heaven and earth, in a trifling, irreverent manner like ‘I got the hottest poppa’ needs to be viewed in light of the third commandment regarding taking His Name in vain. That is exactly what this is.
You’ve attempted to justify Shai Linne’s irreverence by bringing the holy Name of our Creator down to the level of importance as a Swedish father, a mere man. This does not glorify God whatsoever. It’s forgivable, but careless, and sets a terrible example for your two nephews. Do you not see brother?
J Eric,
Please take no offense at this but I see your argument as a typical postmodern, unBiblical retort. You say, in effect, that there is some edification to be gained even though there is some commonization of the name of affection for God. This is similar to saying that Rick Warren may be unBiblical or extraBiblical in his teaching but at least he is helping the poor and AIDS sufferers. Sort of “the end justifies the means” type of argument.
I do not see anything justifying the commonization of our address of the God of all creation. I do not buy into the postmodern and emergent idea that somehow God is pacing back & forth in Heaven trying to find a way to gain our acceptance of Him. We do not give Him the right to be Lord. He is Lord. He should be addressed as such. He is not our homeboy, crackpipe partner, breakdance dude, or any other such postmodern iteration.
I am not suggesting that you find any of this acceptable but your argument could lead to this end over time. Thanks for listening.
Truthy
Brother, I am not trying to be divisive. I am simply seeking an answer to this question which I have asked three times now. How is this video any less hypocritical than posting Believe by Brooks and Dunn when they have multiple videos glorifying alcohol, and even a song seemingly advocating a morality based salvation? Yet the Brooks and Dunn video was posted with seeming approval, and this one was equated with Satan. What is the difference, please don’t say he takes the Lord’s name in vain. As it could very easily be argued that the entire believe song by Brooks and Dunn is vain because of their hypocrisy. If you won’t answer me on here will you at least send me an email brother. I am not trying to give you the run around make a point out of you, or anything. I simply wish to know your reason and understand your thought better.
Ryan, the first two times you replied under the wrong thread. See comment policy. Secondly, not once has Shai Linnes video been compared to Satan, that’s just defensive silliness.
Again, I realize you don’t believe that Shai took the Lord’s name in a trifling manner, and yet, when you look at the 3rd commandment, it is so. I wish Shai Linne all the best, however, I strongly feel that the young people listening to him reference the Lord of Glory in such a way is not helping the younger generation. If you’re thirsty and I offer you a glass of water that’s 90% pure and 10% sewage, are you going to drink it? This is about honoring the Lord’s name Ryan and that is something every Christian should be jealous of guarding. That is why I posted what I did. If anyone, influencing a large number of people, casually take the Lord’s name in vain – in the name of ministry no less- I certainly hope that someone, somewhere would come forward and say “This is not right”.
All genres of music are performed by sinners, no question, of that I’m sure we agree on. For the record, I do not endorse any genre over another. The BD vid was posted for the sake of the message itself. It does not take the name of the Lord in vain. Your points have been received in the spirit they were given, thanks.
Shai Linne has made a forgiveable mistake, yet he has used the Lord’s name in a trifling manner. This is the last response you will receive on this.
SDG, JT
I was refraining from commenting on this thread and was at ease with that decision. But the poll question keeps popping into my view every time I read anything on the site. The one thing that’s been nagging me is that I agree with Admin that the lyrics are “mostly” sound. I’m also not really fond of the phrase in question.
BUT ….
Does not Romans 8:14 portray God in this more familiar, less FORMAL role with His adopted children?
from http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/mp3/064%20Romans%2008.05-17.pdf
this tidbit, near the end of the article: “Now you will notice that phrase “Abba, Father.” It is really a word expressing tremendous familiarity. It is something like our English word, “Papa.” Now to me, it is an extraordinary thing that we should ever be granted the holy privilege to use that word.”
It is a blessed thing Manfred, for God’s children to call Him Abba, Father. However, the phrase “I got the hottest poppa” is overwhelmingly a non-reverent way to appeal to listeners, and is not, in my opinion, using that holy privilge to honor the Name of God. it is wrong on many levels, but I understand perfectly what you are saying.
What of referring to our Father as ‘the hottest’? Would you say that is referring to our Lord in a reverent manner? Does it set a holy example for impressionable young people?
[comment deleted by admin] ‘Dude’ violation, see comment policy.
I fail to see the error. Jesus said to call God “Daddy”, or a likewise term of paternal affection. Therefore, the word can be taken differently in different cultures. Jesus said “Abba”, I say “Daddy”, he says “hottest poppa”. Just because it’s not for you doesn’t make it wrong.
Thank you, it is clearly evident that the MAJORITY culture is totally ignorant to the language of minority cultures. “Hottest papa” is how the majority would say “greatest father”…since when is exalting God irrevrent ??? Seems to me that this is a cultural issue, definitely not an issue of revrence. And as usual, if it’s not how the majority says it, it’s crass and unacceptable.
If the majority class, as you say, referred to the Creator as ‘greatest father’ it would likewise be wrong. Also, you offer your cultural opinion based on…?
@Joel Taylor:
What are the grammar and composition requirements for comments on this weblog? I am unsatisfied with the lack of specificity.
If it is wrong to call God the Greatest Father, how would not it be wrong to call God the greatest of the gods? And how would not calling God “a God” imply other Gods? I put it to you that these are figures of speech that do not require an overly literal interpretation. In the same way, I say that “hottest poppa,” what I believe is a non-literal expression by Shai Linne, is poetic language and an ascription of praise to God. That was my interpretation, and I could be wrong.
Whether or not he is being irreverent I cannot know, because I am not his Judge, and I cannot know his motives. He probably said at some point that his motives are not irreverent. I will not bother checking.
It cannot be taking the Lord’s name in vain, because the Lord’s name was not even mentioned, as far as I know. The Lord’s name is Yahweh; that is what some Catholic seminarions told me.
“There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours.”
“For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.”
“For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.”
“For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.”
“For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.”
“Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
“I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;”
“O LORD, why do you cast my soul away? Why do you hide your face from me? Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am helpless. Your wrath has swept over me; your dreadful assaults destroy me. They surround me like a flood all day long; they close in on me together. You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me; my companions have become darkness.”
Will any of us accuse the Psalmists of irreverence? We have taken courses on how to interpret Scripture; why not take courses on interpreting contemporary poetry? Mayhap it would promote greater eloquence in our expounding the views of people from other backgrounds.
I do not know if this is true, nor do I have any documentation for this, but I will assume nonetheless that Jada Lewis’ cultural opinion originates from her being part of a minority culture. What is your cultural opinion of the language of minority cultures? From where does it come?
What is your response to what Shai Linne said elsewhere in these comments?
For clarity on what it means to take the Lord’s name in vain, see here and here
admin,
I would much rather have my wife and children listen to Shai Linne’s “Atonement” album than 98% of what plays on “Christian Radio” or is preached on “Christian TV”. His exposition of reformed doctrine is excellent, though not perfect, and he puts the music (which I don’t care for) in the back ground and allows the lyrics to dominate. This phrase, “I got the hottest papa”, must be examined in context – it’s part of a hip-hop song, so we look to that sub-culture to see how “hot” should be interpreted. I don’t think Linne had the ’70s male view of a good looking woman in mind
If he meant “most powerful” or something such as that (which is my presumption), then I stand with him.
If it is wrong for that sub-culture to use some of its talk in praising God, then how do we draw the lines? can we only praise the Lord as set forth in my beloved 1689 London Baptist Confession? Can Chinese use their equivalent to “Abba, Father” in Mandarin?
I simply don’t see this phrase rising up to the level of irreverence that warrants public rebuke. As middle aged white guys (if I may make that association), we may not get his meaning if we simply hear it or read it – same as if we don’t get Ezekiel in a casual read. The type of literature and language has to be taken into account to make sure we understand the author.
If it can be shown that Linne meant it as an irreverent phrase, fine – rebuke. I betcha that ain’t his meaning.
Here’s an idea: How about we throw out all biblical mandates on how God is to be worshiped, addressed and referenced and just give (as if we have authority) each ethnic/culture group the freedom to do as they please? What do you think? If society around me…and let’s get more specific, if my brothers decide to refer to God Almighty as ‘my slick daddy’, would that be ok with you? Seriously, we do not get to dictate how God is referenced, worshiped, etc. We simply do not. By all means, have your children listen to Shai Linne. Have them listen to anyone. But the moment they hear whomever they are listening to refer to the Creator of all things as ‘the hottest poppa’ – and you give your blessings to it -it’s time to take a spiritual inventory.
SDG, JT
Manfred,
I think you are falling into the trap of the world without realizing it. You stated that we should understand the rap song stuff within the context of the rap sub-culture to understand its meaning (slight paraphrase on my part). Be careful. If you culturally contextualize too much, you can make almost anything sound good. McLaren, Driscoll, Pagitt, Warren, and so forth all do this.
It doesn’t matter how you view rap. The guy who wrote the song has better language skills than ‘hottest poppa” that could be used to address God. He chose to use a common, crackpipe, street cultural term instead. He made a mistake. I think that was the original intent of the post.
I once heard a very good preacher say that he attended native worship services in Africa where people did worship in the only style they had. It was crude by American standards but it was pure because it was what they had and all that they had. This rap stuff in America is different. We have proper language and culture from which we can address God with respect. He is not our homeboy, our rad dude, or our yo yo baby boyeeeee.
Anyway, that’s how the T-man sees it. Truthy, out! Peace, dog…
T-man,
I am a dog person, so I can hang with you
I agree that people and churches who assimilate pagan religion into Christianity are heading down the broad path. That’s a whole nuther issue, on which Rome is way better qualified to answer : 0
Driscoll, et. al. are doing what Rome does – assuming cultural affects without that culture being a part of them, so they can each those who are. Of course, most of the “et. al.” ending up compromising Christ right out of their street-savvy proclamations.
JT,
I am not endorsing all “hottest papa” similes. The context of the song at issue (and the album of which it’s a part) does not convey (to me) an irreverent attitude, which is why I am not quick to condemn the phrase. I don’t think we can rightly judge by pulling one two or three word phrase out of the song.
All works of man have reasons for us to use God-given discernment when we read or hear them. Calvin was wretchedly wrong on some things – which is why I do not refer myself as a Calvinist, even though I firmly endorse all 5 points of the TULIP. Same with Augustine. Why not Shai Linne?
Because Augustine had God as his audience, and the reverence shows in his writing. Shai Linne, in my opinion, has the world as his, and his reverence shows in his music. Lyrics mean nothing if one can address the God of creation in such humanistic, shallow, world-appeasing terms.
SDG, JT
JT,
I guess we will agree to disagree on this point. I see the whole album disclosing a reverent, humble attitude of thanksgiving to God for His saving grace. When Shai Linne is not “doing music”, he looks and sounds the same as when is. It’s not an act for the crowd. Augustine’s reverence does not alter his blasphemous reverence toward Mary – which is a humanistic, shallow, world-appeasing doctrine.
I agree re: Augustine and his reference to Mary. Yet, when Shai Linne calls the God of scripture ‘the hottest poppa’, he refers to another god, one of his own making or he seeks fame and insults the true one God. My opinion. There is no justification for referring to the God of Scripture as ‘the hottest poppa’, no justification whatsoever. It’s your conscience, examine it in light of how God honor’s His own Name in Scripture.
SDG, JT
JT,
Once again, the statements you make about Shai Linne regarding this one phrase seem equally applicable to Augustine’s Marian doctrine. Do you intend to devote a post rebuking Augustine? Or can you grant Linne the same grace we give Augustine? I personally think the dead guy’s Marian doctrine far more dangerous than Linne’s “irreverent phrase”. Yet each reveals only a part of the person and his views of God.
Well, since Pelagius made a mistake, let’s just offer grace to him and throw the door wide open???? No! God’s name must be honored. Shai Linne is not being condemned brother, not at all, but the Lord’s name is to be honored, not secularized and made acceptable to the world. If you want to do that, fine, go in peace. I will not.
Just curious. Was Shai Linne approached about this issue? Either by phone, letter, email, twitter, etc… Also how does this post build the body of Christ? Surely not by tearing down another brother for the whole wide world to see. Just sayin….
No one was ‘torn down’ Bryan and you know this. When the body of Christ is made more aware of the importance of honoring the Lord’s Name, absolutely, it does build up the body of Christ.
Yea, JT…how does being concerned about the holiness of the name of God build the body of Christ? Isn’t this stuff all about my convenience and entertainment…? Sha, Dude. Let’s rock…Gnarly…
(tongue-in-cheek)
What about the question? Was Shai Linne ever privately confronted on this before publishing an accusation of blasphemy?
In the posts on this blog, he was never accused of blasphemy, but of irreverence. Facts are important.
Hello Brothers,
This is Shai Linne. I’m the guy who wrote the lyric in question. I’m sorry to join the discussion so late, but I just learned of it today. First I want to say that I appreciate the concern of the original post. God’s commands are to be taken seriously and if a violation of the third commandment has occurred, I believe it should be addressed. Also, I actually don’t have a problem with people publicly responding to things that have been released publicly. So I commend the writer of the original post for taking a stand for the truth of God and desiring that His named be regarded as holy.
With that said, I believe some assumptions have been made, as evidenced throughout the comments.
Admin said:
“It is a blessed thing Manfred, for God’s children to call Him Abba, Father. However, the phrase “I got the hottest poppa” is overwhelmingly a non-reverent way to appeal to listeners”
My response:
just so you know, my purpose in using the phrase was not to appeal to listeners because I think it sounds “cool”. Nor was my purpose to whet the world’s sinful, fleshly appetites. In fact, this song was written for Christians as a way to impart gospel truth in a memorable fashion for the purpose of catechesis.
With that said, if you are going to take such issue with my use of the phrase “hottest Poppa”, we should probably make sure we’re on the same page and that nothing has been lost in translation, so to speak. Language is funny like that sometimes. As we all know, two people can use the same exact word and mean two completely different things. Therefore, I would be remiss if I didn’t ask you to tell me what you think I actually meant by “hottest Poppa”. What’s your understanding of that particular colloquialism? I look forward to hearing your answer.
Truthinator said:
“To have a proper languange and then deface a Holy concept like God with common, unflattering, and far-too-casual language is blasphemy”
My response:
That’s a strong assertion, brother. In light of your view, how do you explain the use of Koine Greek by many New Testament writers? As I’m sure you know, Koine Greek was both “common” and “casual” and considered vulgar by those who spoke “proper” classical Greek at the time. They had two options: The proper language and the common. Many chose the common one. Why? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
Thanks, brothers.
grace and peace,
shai
I struggled in commenting because this whole thread is embarassingly stupid…
Are you seriously so hard up to find battles to fight that you need to string up Shai Linne for breaking the third commandment by using the phrase “hottest Papa” in the context of describing divine adoption in a rap song?
My goodness. Talk about tap dancing all over the golden rule (among other clear commands like Eph. 4:29-32, Titus 2:6-8, Col. 3:12-14 & 4:6, to name a few) for the sake of showing how someone’s broken the third commandment.
Even if you’re right, it’s meaningless.
Even if you’re right, you’re sinning worse than Shai Linne is.
If you’re an older pastor and Shai is some young fool, how is he not the weaker brother in this case? How is this being gracious with a brother who, for all you know, doesn’t know any better? How is this being kind and compassionate to the man?
Pull the plank out buddy.
Great post.
Mennoknight,
You should be ashamed of your comment. Your first line of your comment reveals that you simply do not get it.
I have not seen an example of anyone getting “strung up” as you put it. Are you suggesting that anyone who claims to be representing Christ gets carte blanche with whatever they say even if they are wrong? I certainly hope not because this would suggest that Brian McLaren, Rob Bell, and many others who claim to know Christ but deny much of His word are off limits as well.
Are you worshipping your cultural preferences or God? Must God always be in agreement with your fleshly preferences in order to be God? What if you found that rap and other worldly expressions of ‘talent’ were hated by God, would you choose God or your flesh? (I’m not saying this is true about all modern and cultural forms of talent expression, I’m just asking what if)
What some of you are failing to see is the nature of the original post by JT. Is being irreverant to God OK as long as that is what you would rather do than to honor Him? Soul search to find your answer.
Since we do use the terms “King of kings”, “Lord of lords”, and “Most High”, how is using the term “hottest” inappropriate?
…show me a verse in the Bible that says, “Shae Linne shalt not call God ‘hottest poppa’ ” …is this what you’re asking Josh?
Josh, did you read any of the earlier posts in this string??? Out of respect for all of us, please read the earlier posts before asking a question that has already been answered… gracias.
Sorry, you’re right. I fired off a post without fully reading everything. Very sorry.
If I understand correctly, you think that Shai Linne is using the phrase “hottest poppa” as a name of God. In the song, he is using the term to describe God. Maybe I’m splitting hairs, but I think there is a difference. He wasn’t declaring God to be “Hottest Poppa”, he was describing God as such. Also in the opening of the song, it gives context saying, “let’s break down some terms that we use but never define”. He is describing the process of adoption as believers.
Is this different from Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Irreverence is the issue Josh. Irreverence.
I gotta agree with Mennoknight here. I am not sure where the problem is. “hottest papa” is no different than saying “best Father” in culturally different context. There is no problem here. God is the Heavenly Father, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and “Hottest Papa.”
I do appreciate the desire here to keep the name of God revered, but Shai Linne has done nothing to drag in through the mud. He has lifted up God’s name and exalted it above all others. Perhaps you are not comfortable with it b/c u are not familiar with the culture out of which it is born, but referring to God as Papa is the equivalent of “Abba.” And “hottest” would be the equivalent of “best” or “greatest”…all terms used in Scripture.
You gotta pick your battles man…and this should not be one of them.
[see comment policy]
Brethren,
I think the issue raised by the site administrator (and author) is tremendously important, and not one to be cast aside lightly. If the topic is the Holiness and Reverence of GOD, irrespective of the issue, it IS worth the discussion. Much of what has been spoken, I can either affirm or deny – but more importantly, I notice that the author of the “controversial” statement, shai linne, has actually entered the fray, addressed the issue, sought responses from those most against his statement (aka, admin and truhinator), yet none have responded. Does anyone have the intention of responding?
Maybe I’m wrong, but it seems to me that he was describing God by using “Hottest Poppa”, not actually referring to his name. What would the difference be between saying “God is awesome” or “I’ve got the hottest poppa”, or for that matter, any other descriptive term?
I guess in my understanding of the lyric Shai Linne was not referring to the name of God, but rather giving a description of God.
Would this still be unacceptable?
Is it a reverent reference?
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If you ask me, the term ”hottest papa” describes God The Father as the greatest among many fathers, which I’m sure that you’ll agree, He is? There are many earthly fathers. But because He is God and excels them all to the point of incomparability, He can be described as the ”hottest”. And the word ‘Papa’, well…Since Papa is another word for Dad, shai linne is saying ‘You are my Father, yet we are so close, I affectionately call You Dad.’ I think you read waaaaaaaaaay to deeply into this, for your own reasons, and should take more care to being led of the Holy Spirit in future when you comment on such matters. With all due respect.
No. Absolutely not. God is not as you say “the greatest among many fathers”. If you believe that, you do not know the God of Scripture. Jehovah is one, unique, distinct, unlike anyone or anything else in the universe. That is what it means to be ‘holy’.
When I heard the song, I honestly just assumed that ‘hottest poppa’ was an ascription of greatness to God’s fatherhood; it didn’t seem irreverant to me at all. However, different generations and cultures use words from the same language differently, so it’s easy to see that people could interpret the phrase differently than I did. I use my vernacular when I ascribe things to God; for example, I’ve said to God, “You’re the Most.” However, I think that in some circles that has a sexual connotation (I could be wrong; I might be thinking of a different expression). I don’t think that would stop me from using the phrase in corporate worship, but depending on who I was with I might give some kind of statement to qualify it. Man, language is weird. So’s culture.
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